Steel Pipe Uses & Applications

One of the most versatile types of material in the heavy civil and marine construction industries (as well as the oil and gas industry) today is steel pipe. These long, hollow steel tubes are sold as either welded or seamless pipe.

Seamless steel pipes are made from a solid round cylinder, called a billet, which is heated then pushed over a die that pushes out the center of the tube creating a hollow cylinder. Seamless pipe is considered the stronger of the two types of steel pipe, but is more expensive. This type of pipe also has a higher tensile strength due to the lack of a welded crease.

Welded steel pipes are made from steel sheets that are rolled and welded along the joints. As a result, the pipe is welded down its entire length. This type of pipe usually has a more consistent wall thickness than seamless pipe. Welded pipe is less expensive than seamless, and also more readily available. Welded steel pipes also have a higher production efficiency.

The primary purpose of surplus pipes is to transport materials (namely oil, gas, or water) over distances, but steel pipe also has many other useful applications. In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of steel pipes and their use in structural (construction) and transportation applications.

Why Steel?

There are many reasons steel pipe is a popular option for construction projects, but one of the most-cited reasons is steel’s versatility. Steel pipes are offered in a wide range of sizes, and its strength and durability make it a great choice for many types of projects. Plus, steel is one of the most used and most recycled materials in the U.S. annually, making it an environmentally-friendly choice – even more so if purchased used surplus pipe. Remember, surplus steel pipe is unused pipe and can be nearly-prime quality.

Some steel pipes can be custom-made to fit certain specifications of a job. However, purchasing used steel pipes is more economical than ordering new, custom pieces. Luckily, these pipes can be modified on the jobsite by cutting sections down to the necessary lengths.

Structural

The heavy civil construction industry uses steel pipe as a cost-effective, more reliable alternative to other metals like iron. Steel pipes are able to withstand the elements better than other types of metal. Additionally, steel is less likely to experience a complete break under extreme conditions.

• Construction: Steel pipes are used in the construction industry for things like creating temporary structures, such as crane access trestle. Steel pipes are also commonly used in cofferdams and for deep excavation operations.
• Pipe Piling & Foundation: Steel pipe piles have grown in popularity over the years due in large part to its ability to withstand vibrations and high amounts of pressure. Pipe piles are sometimes used in conjunction with sheet pile, known as combi-wall, to create stronger cofferdams, temporary terminals, or reinforced retaining walls. Steel pipe piles are commonly used in shoring and temporary dock and navigation piling.

Seamless pipe is often used in pile driving applications. These piles are used to support structural weight when the ground is unsteady, or the soil is too weak. They are also used in bridge or marine construction to create docks and working surfaces.

Transportation

Other popular uses for steel pipe include oil and natural gas transportation, as a covering to protect wires and cables, and of course, water and sewage transportation.

• Oil and Gas: Line pipe is a specific type of steel pipe made from high-strength carbon steel that is designed to transport oil and natural gas from the oilfield to tanks, trucks, or refineries. This type of pipe is also used as casing pipe, which protects other pipelines underground.
• Water: Steel pipe has long been used as water supply lines and at pump stations. Because of the steel’s resistance to rust and corrosion, it’s a great choice for water treatment facilities. Steel pipes are most commonly used for culverts and to create discharge lines in dewatering operations and pressure tests.

Depending upon the grade, type, and strength of pipe needed, steel pipes for transport can be either seamless or welded. Refer to the ATSM and ASME standards for specific guidelines for your project.

Buy and Sell Used and Surplus Steel Pipe with Eiffel Trading

In addition to a wide variety of used and surplus steel pipe for sale our online marketplace also has a large selection of used loaders, used dozers, used sheet pile, used wide flange beams, and much more for sale.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.